Signaling system.



N0. 704,||7-. Patented July-8, I902. J. .1. RUDDICK. SIGNALING SYSTEM.

(Application filed July 26, 1901.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

704,ll7 Patented iuly 8, I902.

' -J. J. RUDDICK.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

(Application filed July .26, 1901.)

2 Sheets$heet 2.

(No Model.)

lQfiB-Lesses. 6. MW vhf/AA UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN J. RUDDICK, OF NE\VTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO UNITED STATES ELECTRIC SIGNAL COMPANY, OF WVATERTOlVN, MASSACHU- SETTS, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 704,117, dated July 8, 1902.

Application filed July 26,1901. Serial No. 69.806. (N model.)

To all whom it may concern-.-

Beit known that I, JOHN J. RUDDIOK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Newton, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Signaling Systems, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to a block-signal system which is especially adapted for use on electric railways; and it is the object of my invention to provide a signal system wherein as a car enters any block signals at each end of the block will be displayed and as the car leaves the block from either direction the signals will be restored to their normal position. The invention also includes mechanism whereby when a car is in the block and the signals are displayed a second car entering the block will not affect in any way the signals. My system, therefore, is what I term a non-interfering system.

The invention comprises a power or main circuit including the usual feed-wire, from which the current is taken for the motor on the electric cars, and a return, which may be either a return-wire or the ground, as desired. Extending the length of the block is a signal-wire or signal-circuit, and at each end of said signal-circuit will be placed suitable signal-boxes, which inclose the signal-actuating mechanism and the signals, if desired. Each end of the signal circuit is branched, one branch thereof being connected to the feed-wire and the other branch being connected to the return-wire of the powercircuit, and suitable switch mechanism is employed to connect either end of the signalcircuit with either branch, whereby either end of the signal-circuit may be connected to either the feed wire or the return. The switch mechanism is so constructed that under normal conditions-*that is, when there are no cars in the block-both ends of the signal-wire will be connected to the same side of the power-circuit, in which case no current will iiow through the signal-circuit and the signals will not be displayed. Whenever a car enters an empty block, however, said car automatically actuates mechanism which operates the switch at one end of the signalcircuit and throws said switch to connect said end of the signal-circuit with the opposite side of the power-circuit, whereby the signal-circuit is connected or shunted across the two sides of the power-circuit and a current will flow through the same, thereby displaying the signals and indicating that a car is occupying the block. As the car leaves the block the switch at the other end of the signal-circuit is operated to connect said end of the signal-circuit with the same side of the power-circuit as the opposite end of thesignal-circuit. With the parts in this position, which is the normal condition, no current will flow through the signal-circuit and the signals are restored to normal, thus indicating that the block is empty. If it be assumed that the block is empty and that both ends of the signal-circuit are connected to the feedwire, then as the car enters the block the switch at one end of the signal-circuit will be automatically operated to connect said end of the signal-circuit with the return-wire. A current will then flow from the feed-wire through the signal-wire and to the returnwire and the signals will be displayed. As the car leaves the block the other end of the signal-circuit is connected to the return-wire by the automatic switch mechanism and the signals will be restored to normal, for as both ends of the signal-circuit are now connected to the return-wire no current will flow through said signal-circuit. If a second car enters the block, the automatic switch mechanism will operate to connect one end of the signalcircuit with the feed-wire, whereby a current will flow through the said signal-circuit and the signals will be again displayed. When the car leaves the block, the other end of the signal-circuit will be connected to the feed-wire, when the signals will be again restored to normal. Each end of the signaleircuit is therefore alternately connected with opposite sides of the main or power circuit.

My invention also includes devices whereby a car entering or leaving either end of the block in either direction will operate the signals.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of my signaling system. Fig. 2 is a similar view on a smaller scale, showing the parts in a different position. Figs. 3 and I are details showing the switch-actuating mechanism.

The power-circuit, which furnishes power to the cars, comprises the usual feed wire or conductor 3, with which the trolley on the car has contact, as usual, and a return 4, which may be either the ground or a special returnwire, as desired. In this embodiment of my invention I have illustrated for convenience a return-wire and in the specification and claims have used the term return-wire generically as meaning any usual form of return.

The signal wire or circuit is designated by 5, and this will extend the length of the block, and at either end of the block in said signalcircuit suitable signals, such as coloredlamps, will be employed. Each end of the signalcircuit is branched, one branch thereof being connected to the feed-wire 3 and the other branch thereof being connected to the return- Wire 4. Each end of the signal-circuit is normally connected with the same side of the power-circuit-that is, both ends of the signal-circuit undernormal conditions or when the block is free from cars will be connected either to the feed-wire 3 or the return-wire at. Assuming thatboth ends of the signal-circuit are connected with the feed-wire 3, when a car enters the block from either direction the car will actuate mechanism which connects the end of the signal-circuit at the entering end of the block with. the ground or return wire, in which case a current will flow through the signal-circuit and the signals will be displayed. As the ear leaves the block mechanism is automatically actuated to put the opposite end of the signal-circnit in connection with the return-wire, whereby the signals will be restored to normal. A second car entering the block will actuate mechanism which will connect one end of the signal-circuit with the feed-wire 3, and as the car leaves the block the other end of the signal-circuit will be connected with the feed-wire 3. Each end of the signal-circuit is therefore automatically connected first with one side of the power-circuit and then with the other by cars entering or leaving the block.

The construction of the signal-boxes at each end of the signal-circuit are identical, and for convenience and to avoid confusion I have designated the parts in the signal box or station at the left in Figs. 1 and 2 with reference-numerals and have designated the corresponding parts in the box or station at the right in said figures with the same numerals primed.

In Fig. 1, 6 and (3' indicate the branch connections which connect eachend of the sig nal-circuit with the feed-conductor 3, and 7 and 7 indicate the branch wires or conductors which connect the ends of the signalroast? circuit with the return-wire 4-. Looking at the right hand of Fig. 1, it will be seen that the signal-wire 5 has connected thereto at S a wire 9, having a signal (39 therein, which wire includes the coils of the magnet 10, hereinafter to be described, and terminates in a contact 11. An adjacent contact 12 is connected by wires 16 and 22 to a contact 21-, adjacent to a contact 13 at the end of the wire 6. The wire 7, connected to the return-wire, is connected to a contact 21, and an adjacent contact 25 is connected by a wire 23 to the wire The contacts 13 and 241- are disposed opposite to the contacts 21 and 25, and a suitable switch 26, which is actuated by suitable mechanism, hereinafter described, whenever a car enters or leaves the left-hand end of the block, is adapted to bridge either the contacts 13 and 2 1, as seen in full lines in Fig. 1, or the contacts 21 and 25, as seen in dotted lines. Connected to the signal-wire at 8 is a wire 17, having a signal therein and terminating in a contact-piece 18, and adjacent to said contact-piece is another contact 19, connected by a wire 20 to the wire 22. The contacts 11 12 and 18 19 are oppositely disposed, and a vibrating switch 15 is adapted to bridge either pair of contacts, as seen in full and dotted lines in Fig. 1. Assuming that the switch 15 is in the full-line position in Fig. 1, it will be seen that when the switch 26 bridges the contacts 13 and 2a the left-hand end of the signal-circuit is connected to the feed or main wire 3 through wire 17, switch 15, wires :20 22, switch 26, and wire 6, and when the said switch 26 bridges the contacts 21 and 25, as shown in dotted lines, the said left hand end of the signal-circuit is connected to the return-wire at through wire 17, switch 15, wires 20 and 23, switch 26, and wire 7. The switch 26 therefore operates to place the lefthand end of the signal-circuit in connection with either the feedwvire 3 or the return-wire a, and suitable switch-actuating mechanism is set in motion whenever a car enters or leaves the left-hand end of the block to throw the switch from one pair of contacts to the other. The circuits at the signal-box at the opposite end of the block and shown at the right in Fig. 1 are identical with those just described and the corresponding parts are designated by the same reference-numerals primed.

The switch-actuating mechanism is operated by an actuating-electromagnet in a signal-setting circuit, which is momentarily closed by a car as it enters the block. The armature of the magnet has attached thcreto a pawl cooperating with a ratchet-whcel, and whenever the magnet is energized the armature is vibrated and the ratchet is stepped forward one step, or the distance of one tooth. The ratchet is fast on a shaft on which are star-wheels which operate the switches 26 and 15, respectively. The signal-setting circuit at the left, Fig. 1, includes the wire 50, contacts 51, which are normally bridged by the switch 0, the wire 52, the coils of the actuat roan? ing-magnet 43, and the wire 54, which is connected to the ground or return-wire 4, and the signal-setting circuit at the right, Fig. 1, includes the wire 50, contacts 51, switch 0, wire 52, coils of actuating-magnet 43, and the wire 54.

510 indicates any suitable circuitcloser which is operated by the trolley of the car as it enters the block from the left to momentarily close the left-hand signal-setting circuit and energize the magnet 43, there being a similar circuit-closer 510 at the opposite end of the block. I will preferably employ a duplex circuit-closer similar to the one shown in my Patent No. 643,609, February 13, 1900, whereby the said circuit-closer will be operated by a car going in either direction, andI employ in connection with each signal-setting circuit what I have termed a signah suppressing circuit, which is adapted to be momentarily closed by a car leaving the block, and each signal-suppressing circuit also includes the coils of the corresponding actuating-magnet, whereby when a car leaves the block in either direction and the signal-suppressing circuit is closed the signal-actuating mechanism operates to suppress the signal or restore it to normal. The signal-suppressing circuit at the left, Fig. 1, includes the wire 50, having a suitable contact at the end thereof, with which the circuit-closer 510 is adapted to engage, contacts 151, and the wire 152, which is connected to the wire 52. The pairs of contacts 51 and 151 are so placed that the switch 0 is adapted to bridge either of said pairs, whereby the actuating-magnet will be placed in either the signal-setting or the signal suppressing circuit, according as to whether a car is occupying the block or not, as will be more fully hereinafter described. The signal-suppressing circuit at the opposite end of the block is similar in all respects to that just described.

One convenient form of signal-actuating mechanism will now be described.

A shaft 30 is suitably supported in the signal-box and has fast thereon a ratchet-wheel 41, with the teeth of which the pawl 40 cooperates, said pawl being carried by a lever 42, to which the armature of the magnet 43 is attached. Asuitable spring normally holds the lever 42 retracted. Fast on the shaft 30 are star-wheels 31 and 32, the star-wheel 31 having the same number of teeth on its periphery as the ratchet-wheel 41 and the starwheel 32 having half the number of teeth. The teeth of the star-wheel have their ends flattened as shown and they cooperate with a roll on a spring-pressed lever 34 to the end of which the switch 26 is attached, the construction being such that when the roll is received between the teeth as in full lines Fig. 1, the switch is held across the contacts 13 and 24 by the spring 8 while the shaft has been moved forward one step by the momentary energizing of the actuating-magnet 43, the flattened end of a tooth will he brought under the roll to move the lever into the dotted-line position and throw the switch across the contacts 21 and 25. The intermittent motion of the shaft 30 therefore causes the switch 26 to be thrown across the contacts 13 and 24 and 21 and 25, alternately, whereby the left-hand end of a signal-circuit is alternately connected with the feed-wire 3 and the returnwire 4. The star-wheel 31 vibrates a spring-pressed lever 33, to the end of which the switch 15 is attached, the said lever hav ing secured thereto the armature of the magnet 10.

All the mechanism thus far described is du plicated in the signal-box at the right-hand end of the block.

WVith the switches 26 26 in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 1, it will be seen that each end of the signal-circuit 5 is connected to the main conductor 3, the left-hand end through the wire 17, contacts 18 19, wires 20 and 22, the switch 26 and the wire 6, and the right-hand end through wire 17, contacts 18 19, wires 20 and 22, and switch 26 and wire 6, so that each end of the signal-circuit is connected to the same side of the powercircuit. Assuming now that a car, as shown at the left in Fig. 1, is about to enter the lefthand end of the block, the circuit-closing device 510 will be swung by the trolley to close the signal-setting circuit and energize the magnet 43. The time of closure of the sig nal-setting circuit is momentary only, how ever, and the momentary energizing of magnet 43 moves the pawl 40 to the right to hook the nose of the same over the next tooth in the ratchet-wheel 41. As soon as the signalsetting circuit is opened the magnet is deenergized and the spring 60 operates to retract the pawl and turn the ratchet-wheel and starwheels forward one step. This brings the flattened end of a tooth on the star-wheel under the lever 34 and throws the switch 26 over against the contacts 21 25 (see dotted lines, Fig. 1) and connects the left-hand end of the signal-circuit with the return-wire 4, said switch being held in this position by the end of the tooth on the star-wheel. The intermittent rotation of the star-wheel throws the lever 33 into the dotted-line position, thus bringing the switch 15 across the contacts 11 12 and completing the circuit through the magnet 10, which becomes energized and holds the lever 33 in the dotted-line position. With the parts in this position it will be seen that the left-hand end of the signal-circuit 50 is in connection with the return-wire 4, while the right-hand end of said signal-circuit is in connection with the feed-wire 3, and the current will flow through the wire 6, contacts 13 24, wires 22 20, switch 15, wire 17, signal-wire 5, wire 9, at the left of the signal circuit, including the coils of the magnet 10, switch 15, wires 16, 22, and 23, switch 26, and wire 7 to the ground or return-wire 4. As soon, therefore, as the shaft 30 is actuated one step the magnet 10 is brought into the IIO signal-circuit, and, being energized, it operates to hold the switch 15 against the contacts 11 and 12.

The signals 69, 69, 70, and may be of any suitable or usual kind which are adapted to be operated by electricity; but for convenience I have illustrated the signals in the form of lamps of different colors, though I do not wish to be limited to this particular form of signal. The lamps 69, connected to the wires 9 and 9, are preferably White or some other suitable color, and the lamps 70, 0011- nected to the wires 17 17, are shaded to represent a different color and will preferably be of a red color, so that when the current is flowing through the signal-circuit, as above described, the white lamp 69 at the entering end of the block and the red lamp 70 at the opposite end of the block are displayed,whereby a red light or danger-signal is displayed to warn cars moving from the right to the left that the block is occupied, while a white light is displayed at the right end of the block to warn following cars that a car is in the block.

As will be seen from the above description, when the signals are normal-that is, when no car is occupying the block-the switches occupy the full-line position, thereby bringing the actuating-magnets43 and 43 into the signal-setting circuits; but in order to restore said signal to normal when a car leaves the block it is necessary to bring said magnets into the signal suppressing circuits, as a signal-suppressing circuit only is closed by the car leaving the block. Accordingly I employ suitable means which is rendered operative when a car enters the block and remains operative as long as a car is in the block to throw said actuating-magnets into the signalsuppressing circuits. Two results are accomplished by this operation: First, the actuating-magnets are brought into the signal-suppressing circuits, as above described, whereby as the car leaves the block one of the said magnets is energized and the signal suppressed or restored to normal, and, second, the signal-setting circuits are disconnected from the said actuating magnets, so that should any car enter the block before the car occupying it has left the same the signal-setting circuit cannot be closed through the actuating-magnet by the entering car, and the signal, therefore, will not be operated. The system is therefore what I have termed noninterfering. One simple means for throwing the actuating-magnet alternately into the signal=setting and signal-suppressing circuits comprises the switch 0, vibrating between the contacts 51 and 151, said switch being operated by a determining-magnet having its coils in the signal-circuit. As shown in the drawings, near either end of the signal-circuit and having their coils therein are the magnets m and m, which control armaturelevers n and a, carrying the switches o and 0, respectively, said switches being adapted to put the wires 52 52 either in contact with the wires 50 50 or with the wires 50*, as stated above. Vhen current is flowing through the signal-circuit, the magnets m m are energized to throw the switches 0 0 into dotted line position, Fig. 1, thereby bringing both the actuating-magnets 43 and 43 into the signalsuppressing circuits, and said actuating-magnets will remain in the signal-suppressing circuits until the signals are restored to normal by a car leaving the block. As the car leaves the right-hand end of the block the circuit-closer 510 is actuated to momentarily close the signal-suppressing circuit at the right of Fig. 1, said circuit including the wire 50, the switch 0, the wire 52, the coils of the magnet a3, and the wire 5%. The magnet 43 is therefore momentarily energized as the car leaves the block, and the pawl 10 will be actuated to turn the shaft 30 one step to thereby throw the switch 26 against the contacts 21 25, where it is held by the fiattened end of the tooth on the star-wheel 82. The switch 26 in this position connects the right-hand end of the signal-circuit 5 with the ground or return wire t through the wire 7, and therefore both ends of the said signalcircuit are now connected with the groundwire 4, whereby the current will cease flowing in the signal-circuit and the lights in said circuitwill go out orbe restored to normal. The magnets on m and 10 in said signal-circuit become deenergized as soon as the current ceases flowing, and consequently the lever 83 will be restored to the full-line position in Fig. 1 by a suitable spring and the springs 1119 will throw the switches 0 o to their normal or full line position. The parts are now in the position shown by full lines in Fig. 2, the switches 26 26 being retained in such position by the teeth on the star-wheel 32 32. I would here remark that as the star-Wheel 31 is stepped forward one step by the actuatingmagnet 43 when the car leaves the block the switch 15 is thrown onto the contacts 1112; but as at the same time the switch 26' is thrown against the contacts 21 25'110 current will flow through the magnet 10, and consequently the said switch will return to the full-line position under the influence of a suitable spring. When another car enters the block from the left end, the same opera- IIO tions will be repeated, except that as the shaft 80 is given its second step forward the lever 34; will pass off from the end of the tooth on the wheel 32 and drop into a notch under the influence of the spring 3, thus bringing the switch 26 against the contacts 13 2t and connecting the left-hand end of the signalcircuit with the feed-wire 3, as shown in dotted lines, Fig. 2. As the second car passes oif from the block the switch 26 at the right will be restored to the dotted-line position, Fig. 2, or the full-line position, Fig. 1, thereby putting both ends of the signal-cireuit in connection with the feed-wire S and putting out the lights.

By using the form of circuit-closer shown in Fig. 1, and which is shown in detail in my patent above referred to, it is possible to set the signals when the car enters either end of the block and to restore the signals to normal when the car leaves the block at either end. Thus if a car should enter the block at the left-hand end, Fig. 1, the signals would be displayed, and so long as the caris in the block the switches 0 o are against the contacts 151 151, thus maintaining both actuating-magnets in the signal-suppressing circuits. Should the car leave the block from either direction, the signal will be restored to normal, for if the car leaves the block at the right-hand end the signal-suppressing circuit at such end will be closed, as above described. If, on the other hand, the car backs out of the block at the left end, the trolley will close the signal-suppressing circuit through the wire 50 (the switch 0 being in the dottedline position, Fig. 1, while the car is in the block) and momentarily energize the actuating-magnet 43, thereby restoring the switch 26 to its normal position. If a car enters the block from the right-hand end, the signals will be displayed in the same way, except that the signal-circuit will now include the magnet 10', the lamps 69 and 70, whereby a white light will be displayed at the entering end of the block and a red lamp at the opposite end. So long as a car is in the block, therefore, the signals are displayed; but the instant that the car leaves the block from either end the signals are restored to normal.

In block-signaling systems for electric railways it is important that after one car has entered a block and set the signals a second car following the first shall not restore the signal to normal as it enters a block. My system prevents this and is whatI call non-interfering, this being accomplished by the determining magnets on and m and switches o o, for as soon as a car has entered the block from either end the actuating-magnets are brought into the signal-suppressing circuits, so that they can only be energized by the closing of the said signal-suppressing circuits and will not be operated by the signal-setting circuits. If, therefore, a car has entered the block from either direction and the actuating-magnets are consequently thrown into the signal-suppressing circuits, a second car immediately following the first will have no effect on the actuatingmagnetat the entering end of the block, for since the signal-setting circuit is broken at the switch 0 or 0' the tripping of the circuitcloser 510 or 510 will not affect the actuatingmagnet. In my system, therefore, after the signals have been displayed or set by a car entering the block they can only be restored to normal by a car leaving the block.

To prevent the shaft 30 from moving too far under the influence of the spring-operated pawl 40, I have provided a stop device in the form of a supplemental spring-pressed pawl 80, which engages teeth 81 on the ratchet oppositely disposed from the teeth engaged by the pawl 40, as seen in Fig. 3. The end of the pawl 40 has an offset 82, which when the said pawl is moved to the right under the influence of the magnet 43 engages the end of the pawl 80 and releases the same from the teeth 81. moves to the left under the influence of the spring 60, the pawl 80 follows its movement and engages the next tooth 81, thereby preventing the shaft 30 from moving more than the distance of one tooth. A suitable stoppawl 83 may be employed to prevent backward rotation of the shaft 30, if desired.

From the above description it will be seen that the signal circuit, which extends the length of the block, has at each end thereof a pair of differently distinguishable signals, being shown as red and white signals, respectively, though some other colors might be employed, if desired. Furthermore, itwill be noted, as already explained, that when a car enters the block from either direction the white light or signal at the entering end of the block is displayed and the red light or signal at the opposite end of the block is displayed. It is possible, therefore, by my improved system to determine by the signals themselves which end of the block the car enters, and consequently which way or direction in the block the car is traveling, for it will be obvious from what has been said that the car is always traveling toward the red signal.

Various changes maybe made in the details of the system without departing from the spirit of my invention as expressed in the appended claims, and while I have in the foregoing described specifically one form of apparatus and one system of wiring adapted to accomplish the results aimed at, yet it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the electrical connections between the various contacts may be modified in many ways without changing in any way the operation of the mechanism.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuit including a main conductor and areturn-wire,a single signal-circuitincluding a signal, said signal-circuit normally having both ends thereof connected to the same side of the power-circuit, means operated by a car entering the block to connect one end of said signal circuit to the opposite side of the powercircuit and means operated by the same car leaving the block to connect the other end of said signal-circuit to said opposite side of the power-circuit.

2. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuitincluding a main conductor and return-wire, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having a signal there in, said signal-circuit normally having both ends thereof connected to the same side of When, however, the pawl 40 a the power-circuit, and means operated by a car entering either end of the block to connect one end of said signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit, whereby the signals are displayed, and means operated by said car as it leaves the block to connect the other end of said signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit.

3. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuitincludinga main conductor and a return-wire,a single signal-circuit including a signal, said signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having both ends thereof normally connected with the same side of the power-circuit, means operated by a car entering the block to connect the signal-circuit at the entering end of the block to the opposite side of the power-circuit whereby the signal is displayed, and means operated by the same car leaving the block to connect the other end of said signal-circuit to said opposite side of the power-circuit.

4. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuit including the main conductor and return-wire, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having a signal therein, said signal-circuit normally having both ends thereof connected to the same side of the power-circuit, means operated by a car entering either end of the block to connect the corresponding end of said signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit whereby the signal is displayed, and means operated by said car as it leaves the block to connect the other end of said signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit.

5. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuit including a main conductor and a return, a signal circuit having a signal therein, means actuated by successive cars entering the block to connect one end of said signal-circuit alternately with the main c011- ductor and the return, and means actuated by the said cars leaving the block to connect the other end of said signal-circuit alternately with the main conductor and return, the construction being such that when a car is in the block the ends of the signal-circuit are connected to opposite sides of the power-circuit, and when the block is empty both ends of the signal-circuit are connected to the same side of the power-circuit.

6. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuit including a main conductor and return-circuit, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block,a signal operated thereby, switches at each end of the signal-circuit and normallyconnectingsaid circuit Withthe same side of the power-circuit, means rendered 0perative by a car entering the block to throw the switch at the entering end of the block to connect the corresponding end of the signalcircuit with the opposite side of the powercircuit, and means rendered operative by a car leaving the block to throw the switch at that end of the block from which the car leaves to connect said end of the signal-circuit with the said opposite side of the powercircuit.

7. In a block-signal system for railways, a power-circuitincludinga main conductor-and return-circuit, a signal-circuit havinga signal therein, switches at each end of the signalcircuit and normally connecting both ends of said circuit to the same side of the power-circuit, means rendered operative by a car e11- tering either end of the block to throw the switch at the entering end of the block to connect the corresponding end of the signalcircuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit,and means rendered operative by the car leaving the block in either direction to throw the switch at that end of the block from which the car leaves to connect the corresponding end of the signal-circuit to the same side of the power-circuit as the opposite end oi": said signal-circuit.

8. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductor and a return-wire, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block, a signal therein, and means actuated by cars'entering the block to put one end of said signal-circuit alternately in connection with opposite sides of the power-circuit, and means actuated by the cars leaving the block to put the other end of the signal-circuit alternately in connection with the opposite side of the power-circuit.

9. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductorand areturn-wire, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having a signal therein, vibrating switches at each end of said signal-circuit, said switches normally connecting both ends of the signal-circuit to the same side of the powercircuit, means actuated by a car entering the block to throw one of said switches to connect one end of said signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit, and means actuated by the car leaving the block to throw the other of said switches into a cor responding position.

10. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductor and returnwire, a signal-circuit having a signal therein, means operated by a car entering the block to connect the signal-circuit across from the main conductor to the return-wire, and means rendered operative by the current traversing in the signal-circuit to prevent a second car entering the block from affecting the signal while the preceding car is in the block.

11. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductor and returnwire, a signal-circuit having a signal therein, said signal-circuit having both ends thereof normally connected to the same side of the power-circuit, switch devices rendered operative when a car enters an empty block to connect one end of said signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit, and means to lock said switch devices against movement while the car is in the block, whereby a secmid car entering the block before the prc IIO ceding car leaves the same does not'affect the signal.

12. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductor and return- Wire, a signal-circuit having a signal therein, switches normally connecting both ends of said signal-circuit to the same side of the power-circuit, a signal-setting circuit including an actuating-magnet, switch-operating devices controlled by said actuating-magnet, and means actuated by a car entering the block to momentarily close the setting-circuit, whereby one of the switches is operated to connect the signal-circuit across from the main conductor to the return-wire.

13. In a block-signal system, a signal-circuit, a signal therein, signal-actuating mechanism including an electromagnet, a signalsetting circuit and a signal-suppressing circuit, said signal-actuating mechanism being normally connected to the signal-setting circuit, means rendered operative when the signal is set to connect said signal-actuating mechanism to the signal-suppressing circuit, and means for automatically closing said nal-setting circuit when a car enters the block, and said signal-suppressing circuit when a car leaves the block.

14:. In a bl0ck-signal system, a si nal, signal-actuating mechanism at each end of the block, a signal-setting circuit and a signalsuppressing circuit at each end of the block, the signal-actuating mechanism at each end of the block being normally connected to the corresponding signal-setting circuit, means rendered operative by the setting of the signal to connect each of said signal-actuating mechanisms to the corresponding signal-suppressing circuit, and means for automatically closing one of said signal-setting circuits when a car enters the block, and means for automatically closing one of said signal-suppressing circuits when a car leaves the block, whereby the signal is set by a car entering the block from either direction and is restored to normal when the car leaves the block from either direction.

15. In a block-signal system, a signal, signal-actuating mechanism including an actuating-magnet, a signal-setting circuit and a signal-suppressin g circuit, said signal-setting circuit normally including the coils of said actuating-magnet, means rendered operative by the signahactuating mechanism when operated to set the signal to connect said actuating-magnet with the signal-suppressing circuit, and means for automatically closing said signal-setting circuit when a car enters a block and said signal-suppressing circuit when the car leaves the block.

I 16. In a bloclcsignal system, a signal, a signal-actuating mechanism at each end of the block and including an actuatingmagnet, a signal-setting circuit and a signal-suppressing circuit at each end of the block, said signal-setting circuits each normally including the coils of the corresponding actuating-magnet, means to connect said actuating-magnet with the signal suppressing circuit, said means being rendered operative when the signal is set, and means operated by a car entering the block in either direction to close one of said signal-setting circuits and by a car leaving the block in either direction to close one of the signal-suppressing circuits.

17. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductor and return- Wire, a signal-circuit having a signal therein, switches at each end otthe signal-circuit, and normally connecting both ends thereof to the same side of the power-circuit, a signal-setting circuit and a signal-suppressing circuit at each end of the bl'ock, each of said signalsetting circuits normally including the coils of an actuating-magnet, a switch-operating device controlled by each of said actuatingmagnets,means to connect the actuating-mag nets with the signal-suppressing circuits when a car is in the block, means actuated by a car entering the block to momentarily close the signalsetting circuit at the entering end of the block, and means actuated by a car leaving the block to close the signal-suppressing circuit at that end of the block, whereby when the car is in the block, the signal can only be operated through one of the signalsuppressing circuits.

18. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit including a main conductor and returnwire, a signal-circuit having a signal therein, switches at each end of the signal-circuit, and normally connecting both ends thereof, to the same side of the power-circuit, a signal-setting circuit and a signal-suppressing circuit at each end of the block, each of said signalsetting circuits normally including the coils of an actuating-magnet, a switch-operating device controlled by each of said actuatingmagnets, means operated when the signal is set to connect the actuating-magnets with the signal-suppressing circuits, means actuated by a car entering the block from either direction to momentarily close one of said settingcircuits, and means actuated by a car leaving the block in either direction to close one of said signal suppressing circuits, whereby when the car is in the block, the signal can only be operated through one of the signalsuppressing circuits.

19. In a block-signal system, a power-cit cuit including a main conductor and returnwire, a signal-circuit having a signal therein, switches at each end of the signal-circuit, and normally connecting both ends of the signal circuit with the same side of the power-cir cuit, a signal-setting circuit and a signalsuppressing circuit, said signal-setting circuit normally having an actuating-magnet there in, means actuated by a car entering the block to momentarily close the setting-circuit where by the magnet is energized and the signal is set, means operated when the signal is set to connect said actuating-magnet with the sig nal-suppressing circuit, and means operated IIO by a car leaving the block to close said signal-suppressing circuit, whereby when a car is in the block the signal can only be operated by a car leaving the block.

20. In a block-signal system, a single signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having a pair of differently-distinguished signals at each end thereof, a signal-actuating circuit at each end of the block, said signal-actuating circuits beingindependentfrom each other, means whereby as the car enters the block it closes the signal-actuating circuit at the entering end of the block and renders the signal-circuit operative to set a signal of one character or kind at one end of the block and a signal of the other character or kind at the opposite end of the block, and means whereby as the car leaves the block it closes the sign al-actuating circuit at that end of the block from which it leaves to thereby restore the signal-circuit to its normal c011- dition, the construction being such that the signals when set always indicate the direction in which the car has entered the block.

21. In a block-signal system, a single signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having a plurality of signals at each end of the block connected thereto, a signal-actuating circuit at each end of the block, said signal-actuating circuits being independent from each other, and means whereby as the car enters the block it closes the signal-actuating circuit at the entering end of the block and thereby renders the signal-circuit active to set the signals, the signals when set indicating the direction in which the car has entered the block, and means whereby as the car leaves the block the signal-actuating circuit at that end of the block from which the car leaves is closed to thereby restore the sig nal-circuit to its normal condition.

22. In a block-signal system, a single signal-circuit extending the length of the block and having a plurality of signals therein, a signal-setting circuit, and a signal-suppressin g circuit, each adapted to be closed by a car entering or leaving the block, respectively, means whereby as the signal-setting circuit is closed the signals in the signal-circuit are set, and means whereby when the signal-suppressing circuit is closed by a car leaving the block the signals in the signal-circuit are suppressed or restored to normal, these signals being of such a character that when set they indicate the direction in which the car has entered the block.

In a block-signal system, a power-circuit, including a main conductorand a return, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block, said signal-circuit being branched at each end, one branch at each end having a white signal therein, and the other branch having a red or differently-colored signal therein, the two branches having the red lights therein being normally connected to the same side of the power-circuit, means operated by a car entering the block to open the branch at the entering end of the block having the red signal therein, and connect that branch at said entering end of the block which has the white signal therein with the opposite side of the power-circuit, whereby a white signal is displayed at the entering end of the block and a red signal at the opposite end thereof.

24:. In a block-signal system, a power-circuit, including a main conductor and a return, a signal-circuit extending the length of the block, said signal-circuit being branched at each end, one branch at each end having a white signal therein, and the other branch having a red or differently-colored signal therein, the two branches having the red lights therein being normally connected to the same side of the power-circuit, means operated by a car entering the block to open the branch at the entering end of the block having the red signal therein and connect that branch at said entering end of the block which has the white signal therein with the opposite side of the power-circuit, whereby a white signal is displayed at the entering end of the block and a red signal at the opposite end thereof, and means whereby as the car leaves the block the signals are restored to normal.

25. In a block-signal system for railways,

a power-circuit, including a main conductor and return-wire, a single signal-circuit including a plurality of signals, said signal-circuit having both ends thereof connected to the same side of the power-circuit, means op- I00 erated by a car entering the block to connect one end of the signal-circuit to the opposite side of the power-circuit, means operated by a car leaving the block to connect'the other end of said signal-circuit to said opposite side of the power-circuit, and means whereby the signals indicate the direction in which the car has entered the block.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of no 

